Home Buyer Tips!
From Offer to Keys: What Really Happens After Your Offer is Accepted
You’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, and the seller has accepted it—congratulations! For many buyers, this feels like the finish line. But in reality, it’s just the start of the final phase of your home-buying journey. Between the accepted offer and getting your keys, there are several important steps that ensure the home is legally yours and the transaction closes smoothly.
At The Via Domus Team of William Raveis Real Estate, we guide buyers through every stage of this process. Here’s what you can expect once your offer is accepted.
Step 1: The Home Inspection
The first major milestone after an accepted offer is the home inspection. A licensed inspector will carefully review the property, checking everything from the roof to the foundation, as well as systems like heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical.
Purpose: Identify potential problems and provide peace of mind.
Outcome: If significant issues are found, this is your chance to negotiate repairs, request credits, or, in rare cases, reconsider the purchase.
Buyer Tip: Attend the inspection if possible. It’s a great opportunity to learn about your new home.
Step 2: The Appraisal
If you’re financing your purchase, your lender will require an appraisal. This ensures the home’s market value supports the purchase price.
Purpose: Protects both you and the lender from overpaying.
Outcome: If the appraisal matches or exceeds the purchase price, you move forward. If it comes in lower, renegotiation may be necessary.
Buyer Tip: We help you navigate appraisal results and negotiate solutions if the value doesn’t align.
Step 3: Mortgage Underwriting
Once inspection and appraisal are complete, your lender begins the underwriting process. This is when your financial documents—tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements—are thoroughly reviewed.
Purpose: Final approval of your loan.
Outcome: Once the underwriter signs off, you’ll receive a “clear to close,” which is one of the most exciting moments in the process!
Buyer Tip: Respond quickly to your lender’s requests for documents to avoid delays.
Step 4: Title Work & Paperwork
A title company or attorney will conduct a title search to ensure the property is free of liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes. This step protects you from legal issues down the road.
Purpose: Guarantee that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership.
Outcome: Once the title is clear, closing documents are prepared and scheduled.
Buyer Tip: This is also when you’ll finalize homeowners insurance, which your lender will require before closing.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough
Just before closing, usually 24–48 hours in advance, you’ll complete a final walkthrough with your agent.
Purpose: Confirm the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer and that agreed-upon repairs have been completed.
Outcome: Ensures there are no last-minute surprises before signing.
Buyer Tip: Bring your inspection report and double-check key areas like appliances, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems.
Step 6: Closing Day
This is the day you’ve been waiting for—closing day! At the closing table, you’ll sign all necessary documents, finalize your mortgage, and transfer funds. Once everything is complete, the keys are officially yours.
Purpose: Transfer legal ownership of the home.
Outcome: Celebrate—you’re now a homeowner!
Buyer Tip: Bring a valid photo ID, a certified check (if required), and a pen—you’ll be signing a lot of paperwork.
How The Via Domus Team Helps Buyers Through This Process
Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to guiding you through each step with confidence:
We coordinate inspections, appraisals, and timelines so you never feel lost.
We communicate clearly with lenders, attorneys, and other parties to keep things on track.
We negotiate on your behalf if challenges arise, protecting your investment.
We’re with you at every milestone—from offer acceptance to handing you the keys.
Final Thought
From the outside, the closing process may seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it becomes a clear and manageable journey. By knowing what to expect, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to celebrate on closing day. At The Via Domus Team, we pride ourselves on making the home-buying process smooth, stress-free, and rewarding.
Let’s Find Your Dream Home Together
Navigating today’s real estate market doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and guidance, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge and achieve your homeownership goals.
As experienced real estate professionals, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s connecting you with trusted lenders for pre-approval, helping you refine your wish list, or ensuring your offer stands out, we’ve got you covered.
Reach out today for a complimentary buyer consultation.
Helping You Find the Way Home.
Contact us today and set up a free, no-obligation, buyer consultation appointment.
Email: TheViaDomusTeam@raveis.com
Phone:
Brenda: 860.965.6121
Michael: 860.416.4482
Visit our page: HOME BUYING SERVICES WITH THE VIA DOMUS TEAM OF WILLIAM RAVEIS
To have a personal home search portal set up for you, visit: FREE BUYER SEARCH PORTAL FOR CONNECTICUT
